Media's role in responding to climate change

by PV/VTV23 December 2016 Last updated at 19:38 PM

VTV.vn - The media plays an important role in responding to climate change. This was agreed on by participants in a conference with the theme "Responses to climate change's impact and the challenges of media" organized by Vietnam Television.

This is part of the ongoing 36th National Television Festival in the Northern Province of Lao Cai. The focus on communications in the context of climate change is to raise awareness in people and corporations on the issue. As Vietnam is developing fast, its demand for energy is high. The communication task is not easy, according to experts. However, Vietnam is not alone in this mission.

"We are highly invested in supporting Vietnam tackle climate change. We're focusing on helping farmers in the Central Highlands and Mekong Delta region because they are the most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, we have signed a document which states Vietnam will not export illegal wood to the EU or illegally exploit wood products", Bruno Angelet - EU Ambassador to Vietnam - said.

Vietnam is one of the countries most affected by climate change. 2016 saw the negative impact of floods in the central region and salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta region. However, experts raised the need for more journalists specializing in climate change as well as well-invested communication projects on this global issue.

"The Media sector needs to put more effort into responding to climate change. It's a global issue and also an urgent issue for Vietnam. The sector needs to report on scientific factors behind the issue while pointing out its impact on different sectors and regions", Vo Tuan Nhan - Deputy Minister of Environment and Natural Resources - said.

Vietnam Television announced its communication project entitled "Climate change and me" on this occasion. The project has the participation of the European Union in Vietnam, the Asian Development Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the World Bank.